21 October 2023

Being a tiny island nation in Southeast Asia, Singapore might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of green spaces. However, beneath the city’s modern infrastructure lies a thriving world of nature and wildlife and this bustling city-state has made remarkable strides in its commitment to sustainability. Singapore’s Green Heart: Gardens by the Bay One of Singapore’s most iconic features is its ability to seamlessly blend urban development with green spaces. Located on reclaimed land in the Marina Bay area of the city, Gardens by the Bay is an expansive futuristic garden filled with Supertrees, floral displays, and two massive climate-controlled conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Supertrees mimic the functions of real trees, serving multiple functions including providing shade, collecting rainwater and generating solar power. They’re covered in vegetation and look particularly spectacular at night when they come alive with a vibrant light and sound show. In addition to the Supertrees’ green features, the park also focuses on water management, energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. MacRitchie Reservoir: Hiking through the Treetops Adventure seekers will find MacRitchie Reservoir a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Here you can take the TreeTop Walk across a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the rainforest canopy. Take a stroll along the multiple boardwalks, explore the trails and lookout for wildlife including monkeys, monitor lizards and various bird species. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise For bird enthusiasts, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a haven of avian diversity. This protected area is a vital stopover point for migratory birds, and offers visitors a chance to observe them in their natural habitat. The strategically placed hides and trails provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and getting up close to various wetland creatures. Palau Ubin: An Island Lost in Time Step back in time by visiting Pulau Ubin, an island that has preserved the rustic charm of Singapore’s past. This little haven has remained largely undeveloped, and is home to lush mangroves, tranquil lakes and thriving wildlife. You can rent a bicycle and head over on foot to explore the island’s trails to places like Chek Jawa Wetlands, Ubin Quarry and Ketam Mountain Bike Park. There’s also the opportunity to visit traditional kampong houses, authentic village houses on stilts. Public Transportation: The Road to Efficiency Singapore boasts one of the most efficient and comprehensive public transportation systems – the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. As well as extensive bus networks and the introduction of cycling lanes – an emphasis has been placed on encouraging sustainable commuting options by reducing traffic congestion and significantly lowering the city’s carbon footprint. Sustainable Stays in Singapore It’s not just the city planners taking credit for green spaces in Singapore, they’ve led the way for hotels to focus on the importance of sustainability too. The ParkRoyal Pickering has won awards for the ‘World’s Leading Green City Hotel’ due to its stunning hotel-in-a-garden concept using 50 different plant species layered into the building. They’ve also used solar panels, electric cars for transfers, use lots of greenery in guestroom corridors and offer a plant-based menu at one of their restaurants ‘Lime’. The iconic Marina Bay Sands should also be mentioned for its green initiatives – they’ve reduced their carbon footprint by over 40% since 2012 and use an Intelligent Building Management System for automated control over heating, lighting and water, which helps conserve both energy and water. I think we can all learn valuable lessons from Singapore’s dedication to creating a more sustainable and liveable urban environment.

21 September 2023

When it comes to luxury travel, you might not immediately think of Reykjavik. However, as I found on my recent trip to ‘the land of fire and ice’, this capital offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture and extravagance – and with it being just a three hour flight from the UK ensures it’s a perfect destination for a special weekend away. Where to Stay A luxury Reykjavik adventure begins with a great choice of upscale accommodation options. One of the standout choices is The Reykjavik Edition, a contemporary 5 star hotel nestled next to the famous Harpa Concert and Conference Centre by the Old Harbour. Many of the rooms offer breath-taking views of the harbour and Mount Esja, and the signature restaurant, Tides, was created by Iceland’s first Michelin-star Chef. A smaller and boutique option is Ion City Hotel (sister property to the iconic and award-winning Ion Adventure Hotel), located in a vibrant street in downtown Reykjavik. A member of ‘Design Hotels’, this gorgeous hotel has just eighteen rooms and suites. My final offering, Sand Hotel, is located next door to one of Reykjavik’s oldest bakeries and offers a blend of modern art-deco and historical charm, with individually designed rooms and a focus on personalised service. With the bakery next door, breakfast here is a must! Culinary Delights The foodie scene in Reykjavik is incredible, with plenty to offer all tastes and diets. For a phenomenal culinary experience you can’t go wrong with ‘Dill’, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its Icelandic tasting menu which is prepared with a modern twist. For fine dining with a view, ‘Kopar’ is located within the Old Harbour and offers an adventurous menu combining local products from both land and sea. For a more humble experience, I absolutely adored Himalayan Spice which serves excellent traditional Nepalese food with warm and friendly service. All About the Experiences It’s an easy task to fill your weekend with unforgettable memories in Reykjavik itself – from a visit to Perlan or the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, to viewing incredible architecture and countless museums, the city centre is extremely walkable and easy to navigate. There’s a ‘sculpture and shore walk’ path that runs for 5km along the waterfront, and you’ll definitely come across the main shopping street Laugavegur (home to boutiques, high-quality Icelandic wool and unique jewellery shops) at some point during your stay; Reykjavik also hosts a marvellous amount of street art and colourful murals that make for a interesting walk around the city. Travelling outside the city is worth the effort however if time allows. If travelling during our winter months, a trip to see the mesmerising Northern Lights is a definite highlight – there are private jeep options available as well as options to view them from the ocean too! A visit to a geothermal spa is an iconic Icelandic experience, and whilst the Blue Lagoon is deservedly a better-known option (and conveniently located near the airport if you have a late flight home), a closer and more unique experience can be found at the Sky Lagoon, just south of the city. Other incredible experiences to take from Reykjavik include whale and puffin watching tours, volcano helicopter tours, horseback riding and glacier hiking – but honestly, the list would be endless. I’ve focused this article more on information for the luxury traveller, however Reykjavik offers enough to make anyone’s visit there truly unforgettable.